Trump’s ‘America first’ might make China first
Manhattan: In wielding coercion, bullying and blunt force against allies, President Trump is squandering decades of diplomatic work done by the United States since, perhaps, Franklin Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor policy. Trump doesn’t believe in soft power or engendering goodwill. Blunt force may feel good in the moment, but it doesn’t heal you. It seems likely to backfire.
In fomenting gripes against Canada, Mexico and the EU, Trump is activating the most gullible among his political base to feel enmity toward an enemy that isn’t. Mexico has more reason to hold grudges against the U.S., which took half of Mexico in a naked land grab. The free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico was negotiated during Trump’s first term. In violating it, Trump says once again to the world that the U.S. can’t be trusted to keep its promises or bear its burdens. His long, winding list of resentments is now America’s agenda.
Allies have trouble deciphering between Trump, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping. How can the U.S. stand against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine if Trump threatens Denmark with an invasion of Greenland? Or Panama? Bear in mind, the U.S. in the 20th century invaded several Latin American countries to protect corporate and economic interests — in large part, to gain control over banana plantations.
This isn’t 1950. There are geopolitical alternatives to the U.S. If it is merely another large country that bullies smaller ones, countries allied with the U.S. will gravitate toward China. Trump may like to look tough on TV, but in doing so, he does damage to the U.S.’ standing long-term and pushes friends into the hands of enemies. Daniel Dolgicer
Overlooked officer
Sunnyside: I can understand why you would want to inform your readers about the trouble Trump is causing with our allies (“Price hikes feared,” Feb. 3). However, I do not understand why you have given so little coverage to the release of the assassin who murdered NYPD Officer Juan Andino back in 1984. You should have had a photo of Andino on your front page, not one of Trump. John Francis Fox
Race-motivated
Bedford, N.Y.: Thank you for this editorial (“Musk’s USAID shutdown is illegal,” Feb. 4). Not many people in the U.S. know about the agency, the work it does throughout the world or its impact on the poorest of the poor. Elon Musk is an uninformed man for whom helping other countries deal with their natural disasters, public health or maternal and child nutrition, etc. might be “wasteful” in his narrow mind. But my fear is that behind his illegal decision to shut down USAID is bigotry: 90% of USAID beneficiaries are people of color. Hopefully, his and Trump’s true motives will come to light and our other elected officials, from representatives to senators and some cabinet members, will grow a backbone and stop the madness before it’s too late. Céline Secada
Unelected leader
Commack, L.I.: I don’t recall seeing Musk’s name on the ballot this past November for the role of co-president of the United States. Not to mention that as someone not born in the U.S., he’s not qualified for that position. I also don’t recall him going before the Senate and being interviewed for a nomination for a presidential appointment per Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. What did I miss? Yvonne Fitzner
Shared title
Ocala, Fla.: I suggest that every single satirical outlet calls Musk “President Musk.” This will surely arouse the ire of Trump, whose ego will be hurt bigly. Perhaps this is the only way the U.S.A. can get Musk out of our records and out of our lives while he is trying to create an oligarchy for Trump. Musk and his unelected minions have access to all Treasury Department data that include our Social Security records and more! By appealing to Trump’s demand that he be the pinnacle of power, perhaps highlighting Musk’s ascendancy might work. The U.S.A. is in big trouble, folks. Lynn Miller
For the common good
Tamarac, Fla.: After many interviews with Democratic leaders, it was revealed that some are now struggling to find where their priorities must lie. The new U.S. president is not undermining the core of the democratic institutions as some would believe, but rather is strengthening an America that has been progressively weakened by failed policies, such as criminal justice reform, inflation and immigration, to name just a few. America has always prided itself on being the greatest country in the world through diversity, history and opportunity, and there is no reason to believe that will ever change. This administration is not out to hurt you, but to help strengthen the weaknesses of the country you live in. You might be a Democrat or you might be a Republican, but first and foremost, you are still an American. Roberta Chaleff
Desecrating democracy
Bronx: We learn through history, not from it. When our complainer in chief put on his expert hat and explained (in his own words) the horrific jet/helicopter crash, it brought back bad memories. The flashbacks from his past travesties (his handling of COVID, the hurricane fiasco and the Jan. 6 atrocity, for example) all played out in my head. It is crystal clear and cringeworthy to note that the game plan is the same as before. He picks out groups he can easily handle, creates illusions of discontent and abuses groups that disagree. By destroying governmental departments that help the general public, he tries to achieve his only aim: weakening the will of the American people. When people who cast their vote for him see through his old song and dance and decide to work together for the common good, we shall begin to have pride again in our nation. Mark Benveniste
Cogent complaint
Peekskill, N.Y.: A great, impeccable letter from Voicer Claudette Mobley. Her points about the price of eggs and Musk were accurate and pragmatic. Her prior letters have been equally excellent. I look forward to her future complaints. Steven Bevacqua
Specify who
White Plains, N.Y.: Voicer Heyward Johnson correctly notes that the intended benefactors of the original Civil Rights Act of 1964 (CRA) have not fully benefited. The CRA was amended in 1972 to add sex, which he points to as benefiting white women, and the 1965 Immigration Act helps “simply” persons of color. I agree that DEI, affirmative action, etc. should be transparent and straightforwardly assist American Descendants of Slavery, and not use ambiguous terms such as “diversity,” “equity” and “inclusion.” I disagree that those terms include one group, namely Asian-Americans, and the Supreme Court held the same. In other words, most would be okay with programs that specifically help ADOS and so state. Chris Lee
Order update?
Middle Village: I was just wondering how long it takes to receive my pricey new trash bin. Robert Chirieleison
Disruptive resident
Manhattan: I am reaching out to bring urgent attention to an ongoing issue on 12th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves. Despite numerous complaints from residents and our block association to 311, 911 and the local City Council office, no action has been taken to address a persistent homeless encampment on our block. For the past several weeks, an individual has been living outdoors in dangerously cold temperatures without any meaningful intervention or support. Additionally, his presence has attracted rodents, and his behavior has become increasingly confrontational toward pedestrians. Given the recent incidents of violence involving mentally ill individuals, it is deeply concerning that the city has yet to implement a solution or even acknowledge a plan of action. I urge the city to address this matter promptly and ensure that both the individual in need and the residents of our community are provided with a safe and sustainable resolution. Matthew Scholl
Taking bets
Kew Gardens Hills: Las Vegas has over/under numbers for everything: how many touchdowns, field goals, rushing yards, passing yards, turnovers and dozens of other over/under numbers for gamblers to wager on Super Bowl 59 (I failed Roman numerals). I was wondering what the over/under is for how many times Kendrick Lamar spouts obscenities and the N-word during his performance at halftime. Barry Koppel